DFW Named the Most Stressful US Airport as Delays Continue to Climb
Andrew Powell · Oct 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Travelers flying through some of the busiest airports in the country may face more frustration than those flying through less busy airports, according to a new analysis that ranked airports based on delays, cancellations and the difficulty of getting to the terminal.
Rightway Parking, an airport and cruise parking reservation company based in Tampa, Florida, examined 55 U.S. airports using federal flight data and Google Maps estimates, according to Fox News.
The study considered 2025 flight delays and cancellations, changes in delays since 2021, and estimated travel time and distance from downtown areas.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport came in as the most stressful airport in the country.
According to the analysis, nearly 28% of flights at DFW were delayed in 2025, while 2.76% were canceled. Delays at the Texas airport have also increased by 33.67% since 2021.
The trip to DFW can add another source of frustration for travelers. The airport is roughly 20 miles from downtown Dallas, putting it farther from the city center than some major airports included in the study.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport ranked second. About 24.68% of flights were delayed, while delays have increased 42.77% since 2021.
O'Hare's location also affected its ranking, with the drive from downtown Chicago estimated at around 50 minutes.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, placed third. The airport recorded a 3.86% cancellation rate, while its delays have risen 73.92% since 2021, according to the report.
New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport ranked fourth, followed by Philadelphia International Airport at No. 5.
The study also identified airports where travelers may have a smoother experience.
Salt Lake City International Airport was ranked the least stressful airport in the country. San Jose International Airport in California came in second, while Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu ranked third.
Each of those three airports had cancellation rates below 1%. They also generally offered shorter trips from downtown areas compared with several of the airports near the top of the stressful-airport list.
The rankings offer travelers another factor to consider when choosing flights, particularly for those who have flexibility when deciding which airport to use.